What does the Bible say about revenge?
Someone hurt you, lied about you or took something from you, and part of you wants them to pay. You keep replaying what you’d say or do.
God tells us not to take revenge, not because what happened doesn’t matter, but because He will deal with it justly. “Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: ‘Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord’” (Romans 12:19). You can hand the wrong over to God, who sees everything and will make it right, and walk away lighter. Revenge keeps you chained to the person who hurt you.
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Joseph had the power to get even
Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. Years later, he was the second most powerful man in Egypt, and they stood before him, terrified, asking for food. He could have destroyed them. Instead he wept, fed them and said, “As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people” (Genesis 50:20).
What to do instead of revenge
Take it to God honestly. The Psalms are full of honest prayers about enemies. Bless and pray for them (Matthew 5:44). Don’t repay evil for evil (Romans 12:17). Overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). Set boundaries and seek justice through proper channels when needed.
Revenge vs. justice
Reporting a crime, protecting yourself and seeking legal justice are not revenge. God established authorities for that (Romans 13:4). Revenge is taking punishment into your own hands, out of anger.
What the Bible says
- 01
Leave room for God.
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:17–21 - 02
God meant it for good.
“When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge? Then he will surely repay us for all the evil that we did to him.” So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Before he died, your father commanded, ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. His brothers also came to him, bowed down before him, and said, “We are your slaves!” But Joseph replied, “Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God? As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people. Therefore do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” So Joseph reassured his brothers and spoke kindly to them.”
Genesis 50:15–21 - 03
Love your enemies.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also; if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well; and if someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘Hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”
Matthew 5:38–44 - 04
Wait for the LORD.
“Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.”
Proverbs 20:22 - 05
He entrusted Himself to God.
“When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.”
1 Peter 2:23 - 06
Overcome evil with good.
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:21
Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.
Write the name of the person who hurt you, and under it, “I hand this to You, God.” Pray for them once today, even if it’s hard.
Common questions
Is it wrong to want justice?
No. God loves justice. Leave the punishment to Him and to proper authorities.
Do I have to be friends with the person who hurt me?
No. Forgiveness releases the debt; it doesn’t require closeness or trust.
What if they never face consequences?
God sees everything, and every wrong will be dealt with (Hebrews 4:13; 2 Corinthians 5:10).
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